Cement price hikes loom despite predicted boom.

Market Business Development (MBD) said the construction industry will spend 14% more on cement by 2010, with sales at £962.5m at 2005 prices.

The report said: “The sector likely to continue to be affected by EU legislation and rising energy costs, which is expected to lead to a further increase in prices in the short term.”

Contractors will spend 10% more on concrete and concrete products in 2010, MBD said. Ready mixed concrete will account for 31% of sales after growing 5%, and concrete blocks sales will grow 15%. Precast concrete will rise 10% to £440.7m.